Just got a new camera - Sony F35

That's clever, Jim. I like how you used the single v-lock for the deck to drive the camera through the plate. Nice and tidy, that.
How do you find working with that awkward orientation of the CineDeck?
Overall the unit looks nice and manageable.
 
@JusGorilla

Yes, I pulled apart the IF box a while ago to see what was in there. I was hoping that the SDI cables came basically straight from the connector, but they go to a small circuit board first. I think this is probably to "unlock" the picture. I didn't want to experiment with buggering about with that. So the one small circuit board is now hidden inside my cinedeck plate. The interface box connector is screwed to the connecting plate with the eight holes it has in already. It all works quite well. I could have added the XLR-input ability if I wanted, but I don't really have any need (I have an XLR > LEMO cable).

As for cinedeck, heaven knows. My screen is a little scratched but doesn't affect functionality. I have no idea what screen it is, and I don't fancy taking mine apart to have a look - sorry! But I am certain you are right - very few people actually manufacture the panels (even apple don't make theirs)

@ Keith
The battery that is on there is just powering the cinedeck, the F35 and cinedeck would draw way too much for any single V-lock to cope with. I only have it like this for testing. For handheld, I have a battery belt with two v-locks on it and cables power the F35 and Cinedeck separately. Quite handy, as I can turn off the F35 without powering down the deck. Normally, though, I have a Hawk-Woods block battery that gives me 12 and 24v, and I have a cable that powers the cinedeck from the 24v supply. Hope that helps!

Glad you all like it :)
 
keithlango said:
How do you find working with that awkward orientation of the CineDeck?
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I don't know - ask my assistants!!

If you look you'll notice the plate is not level, if you put it on top of the camera then the cinedeck sits perfectly level. For 99% of the time, however, it is at the back. It doesn't really affect things, it just means focus pullers tilt their heads occasionally.

In the coming year I will be looking to add a wireless video link to the setup too, which will reduce my cables again so that'll be nice (no monitoring cabling).

I also need to fix my assistant panel, unless anyone on here doesn't use theirs?
 
One more question..

What is the difference between F35 and Sony SRW-9000PL ?? Does both cameras have Slog2 or just Slog(1).. What is the main ISO for F35 - 450 ??
I saw somewhere that SRW-9000PL shoul have extended ISO upgrade ( 600 )..

How is with upgrading of F35; how I know if the firmware is the last version ( coul I do it myself ) ??

Anyway I will get 4:4:4 50p 10p out of the IF-box??

Many thanks for answers..


.
 
Hi Leteeci,

The SRW-9000PL was basically the "compact" version of the F35. The F35 has a separate recorder - be it HDCAM deck, Codex etc.... but it needs one. The SRW-9000PL is shaped a bit more like an ENG camcorder and has a tape deck integrated.

A long time ago Sony planned to offer an "upgrade" to the SRW-9000 so that you could put solid state recording in it, but this never happened. The SRW-9000PL is a great camera that was pretty much missed by the industry. I think it just came at the wrong time and wrong price.

Both cameras are effectively identical, they both have S-LOG 1. S-Log 2 is for the F65, F55 and F5. The F35's main ISO varies depending upon how you rate ISO but generally it is accepted to be 400 - 600. A lot of people rated it 500 because that was the film stock standard. Some people rate it around 320 because they like to expose to the right.

In CINE mode with extended range and S-Log, the camera says 450 ISO. There is a firmware upgrade which gives you a curve rated at ISO 800 but I have never used it.

For 4:4:4 50P 10-bit (or 12-bit) you need TWO interface boxes and FOUR cables. Or a SRW-1 or Codex onboard with appropriate cards (for the SRW-1).

You can upgrade the firmware yourself, but I don't recommend it. In the camera's diagnostic menu you can find the current version and you can download the new one easily online. I recommend getting a Sony centre to do it for you if you have one where you are. It is not too expensive.
 
I did the upgrade myself with a memory stick. The sony service emailed me the files. It took a minute.
THe latest upgrade had ISO from 450 to 1000.
 
Mac

If you are referring to the CINE-EI mode that's a whole new method of working, not a new base ISO. Which stays at 450. It's still very handy though, and I use it a lot.

I did the upgrade with a memory stick myself too although my local Sony service told me a few things that makes me wish they had done it! If you don't have a local one though, it is definitely doable.

We need to make an F35 FAQ some time.
 
mlysbakken said:
What did the Sony service tell you, James?
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If memory serves their specific advice was relating to the F3, but it can apply to any camera.

There was some obvious stuff like damage from an accidental power down, which is unlikely but can happen. The most damage can be caused apparently by previously applied updates not being done correctly. I believe there is a chance that if you don't perform certain updates in the right order it can bugger things.

My memory is a bit hazy now as this was a year ago but in future I would get any updates done by Sony. I believe consumer cameras and things like ex3s are at greater risk than pro cameras like the f35, but worth remembering anyway.

I am sure they are a bit over-cautious, but this camera is my livelihood, so it pays to take care!
 
1zlz.jpg


Highly recommend the Tilta eve support, got mine for $320. With a little creativity it seems like it could be mounted a few ways on the f35.

Macgregor, I couldn't agree more with your caution over cheap ac power supplies, I have used this specific one on my f35 for a few hours with no issue but it probably is worth it to go with an official sony solution.

On upgrading the firmware, I also did it myself. Go on the service site and download the firmware and directions. If you want to do it yourself just follow the directions exactly and make sure you won't have the power interrupted, it is a simple process. However if you are not confident, or have easy access to a sony service center, that is probably a good way to go.

The only issue I've had with my f35 is it was able to drain a Dionic battery down beyond charging level, I had to send it in to get repaired. I let the battery drain and then sit on the shelf for a few weeks so that could of been part of the problem.
 
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Did you get it, Krekston? I see it's sold now. If it's the real deal, it's certainly a steal with that EVF.
That's the only thing I'm missing at the moment, actually - a good EVF. I'll try to hook my monitor up with a tilta evf support, as Yachacha has done. Magic arms take all the joy out of filmmaking...
 
Lovely, lovely stuff. The raw beauty of the land and people you're working with certainly shine through. Given how much low light shooting you did it was great to see that the noise never distracted. Loved that last shot. Grad ND?
 
macgregor said:
I've added film grain to the whole piece.
Last shot is a temp comp of course.
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Beautiful. What was the focal length of the wide shot of the man walking onto the large rock?
Always always impressed with the way you use light.
 
Beautiful compositions, Mac! Love those expressive faces. Out of curiosity, is this shot in 10 or 12 bit, 422 or 444? Any denoising before you added the grain?
 
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